June 3, 2004 -- This year's juniors have a better grasp
of social studies and science than of math and English language arts,
according to the recent results of the spring Texas Assessment of Knowledge
and Skills test.

Of the Sulphur Springs High School juniors taking the exit level test,
53 will need to retake the math test this summer. Another 35 students
will need to retake the English language arts test, 29 the science test
and only six will be required to retake the social studies test, according
to Sulphur Springs Independent School District Federal Programs and Testing
Director Connie Mabe.

All students are required to pass all four sections of the TAKS test
before they graduate, and unlike its predecessor, the Texas Assessment
of Academic Skills test, students have one less year to pass all four
sections of the test as the exit level test is now administered beginning
in students' junior years instead of their sophomore years.

Those students receiving notification from the school that they are
among those needing to retest may do so the first full week in July.
The English language arts test is slated for July 6, the math on July
7, social studies on July 8 and science on July 9 at Sulphur Springs
Middle School, as renovations at the high school prevent them being conducted
at that location.

SSHS is offering two weeks of tutorials to assist these students. Sessions
will be held June 21-24 and June 28-July 1 at the Middle School.

Also, two third grade students will be retaking the test this summer
in order to be promoted to fourth grade for the 2004-2005 school year,
which for students begins Aug. 16. The Student Success Initiative requires
all third graders to pass the reading portion of the test in one of three
tries. The test was first administered in March, then again in April,
and will be given for a final time for these students on June 29.

SSISD will also be offering summer school for students in grades 1-5
and kindergarten from 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Monday through Thursday,
June 7 through July 15, at Lamar Elementary School. No summer school
will be held Monday, July 5, in observance of Independence Day.

Summer school for students in grades 6-8 began June 2 and will conclude
on July 1. Classes are held from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

For information about summer school or TAKS testing, contact Connie
Mabe at 903-885-2153.

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